Metallic Beauty

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We were pleasantly charmed by spring's metallic makeup, but while playing with products, we realized this trend presents a significant question. How can one wear this look without resembling the lovechild of Jem and Ziggy Stardust? The answer is (much like the old joke, How do porcupines mate?) carefully.

To avoid a glitzy overload, go for just a suggestion of gold or silver on one part of your face. We're nuts for Chanel's new limited edition Lumiere D'Artifices eye shadow trio ($75 at Saks Fifth Avenue, call 1.877.551.7257 for availability). True it's pricey, but the silver, charcoal, and deep gold shimmering shadows are stunning. One of our favorite tricks is to lightly dampen a stiff-bristled slim brush before applying the shadow. This makes for a bold-yet-manageable sweep of pigment on your lid.

If shadow isn't your thing, why not try Lancome's Artliner in Glacier (shown here) or Ice Black ($26 each, www.sephora.com). We've been massive fans of this eyeliner for ages. It's one of the easiest liquid liners to use and has a felt tip for dummy-proof application.

When it comes to skin, we must be frank-metallic only really works if your skin is flawless. Who wants to highlight flaws? If you are blessed with perfect skin, blend a tiny amount of Make Up Forever's Diamond Cream on your cheekbones. The cream/gel product multitasks on your face or body, so feel free to give your clavicle some love too. We like Terracotta 5, a golden bronze shown above or Pink Porcelain 2, a champagne shade ($36 each, www.sephora.com

For the nails, we're crazy about OPI's "Birthday Babe" silver polish from their 25th Anniversary Collection ($7.50, www.opi.com) It's a super dense lacquer that looks exactly like the polish on the Chanel runway (Sadly, that polish is not available for sale. It was created only for that show.) If you want a lighter look with a little sparkle, we suggest Hard Candy's Vintage Nail Polish in Trailer Trash ($7, www.sephora.com